SVN solovelanet

56 SVN Solovelanet Global VMT - with the main purpose to depower the Main- sail: release the Vang (V) easing it out to avoid the boom bouncing up; ease out the Mainsheet (M) until the mainsail depowers; grind up the Toppig lift (T) to support the boom and completely take off any po - wer from the mainsail (scandalize). You are now ready to set a reef, once done the main- sail will be still depowered (scandalized) and the next VMT evolution has the mean of trimming the main correctly just to re-gain the correct sail power. TMV - Ease the Topping lift (T) so that it is loose and pull the Mainsheet (M) in until it is correctly trimmed. Finally apply the Vang (V) as required Never rely only in the rigid vang because in bumpy sea conditions this could fail suddenly. The VMT/TMV procedure has to be done both in set - ting or shacking out a reef and after each evolution all lines has to be tidied up and ready for use. Depowering In heavy weather the challenge is to find a compro- mise to depower enough, but not too much in order to fight the waves that comes ususally in heavy win- ds and mantaining a sufficient speed. Flattening sails, increasing twist for a wider groove, and reducing the angle of attack are the first techni- ques as the wind is picking up and valid with every reduced sail plan. This is the reason why many ocean sailors prefere a mainsail witha very deep third reef instead of a trysail. Using a properly reefed mainsail as storm sail gives the possibilty of having a much more efficient sail shape than a trysail. Trysails are normally cut with small luff and relati - ve long leech and foot and for these reasons ineffi- cienti especially if you want to mantain speed during a storm. A fast boat means more control and ma- neuvrability that allows to get out of the way from biggest waves. I personally consider the use of trysail only as a good sail for heaving-to and only if hoisted on separate dedicated railway. Strong unstable winds and rough short sea A low ratio sail plan gives lots of power for accelera- tion after a tack or when the boat is constantly being knocked about by big waves. It will not give ultimate top speed or pointing ability but will allow the boat to quickly regain a good pace after the sails have been shaken about and her forward motion has been hindered by dropping off the top of a wave. scadalizing the Mainsail A properly weakened main- sail supports the boom and redu- ces the loads on canvas and lines. On top, a First 45 with two ree- fing lines and a storm jib. In the centre, a boat taking part in the Clipper Race in northern Pacific, that has run the second reefing line expecting the wind to get stronger Heaving-to with trysail could be a good solution for small cruisers and sloop rigged yachts

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